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NEW CASTLE, Del. (WTXF) - State police say it was just after 2 p.m. Monday afternoon when the drivers of a Dodge Durango and a transport bus from St. Francis Life Center, pulled off I-95 and an altercation started. Within seconds, the Durango driver sprayed pepper spray on the bus driver, according to police.
"After that pepper spray was discharged, the person driving the bus pulled out a hand gun and fired it in the direction of the driver of the Durango," said Delaware State Police Sgt. Richard Bratz.
It happened on the off ramp for airport road on I-95 northbound in New Castle. State police arrived on the scene to find the driver of the Durango on the ground, shot at least once in the chest. Police say the incident started moments earlier when the van driver noticed the 53-year-old Durango driver following him.
"The Dodge Durango went to the right side and appeared to be waving what looked like a cell phone at him as he was driving," Sgt. Bratz explained.
The alleged shooter stayed on scene, administered first aid and called 911. He also cleared his weapon and turned it over to police. The roadway was quickly shut down while troopers investigated the shooting.
FOX 29 reached out via telephone to a spokesperson for St. Francis.
"We can confirm that one of our Life Center drivers was involved in the incident this afternoon on I-95," said Samantha Raftovich.
"All indications point in that direction that this can be a road rage incident," said Sgt. Bratz.
The 28-year-old van driver was taken to Troop 2 headquarters and questioned. Police reopened the roadway and towed away both vehicles. The wounded driver was taken to a local hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.
St. Francis has a no gun policy for all of its employees. State police say there was no damage to either vehicle and they don't know what touched off this argument until they can speak with the wounded driver. There were no passengers in the hospital van.
This is an ongoing investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Troop 2 at 302-365-8467. Information may also be provided online or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP.